Fenethylline is a chemically linked drug that is a combination of amphetamine and theophylline. It is sold under names like Captagon, Biocapton and Fitton, and is illegal in most countries, with Syria reportedly contributing to 80% of its global production. Captagon was initially synthesized in 1961 by Evonik Industries AG, a German headquartered chemicals manufacturing company, and was used to treat ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), depression, etc.
There are no Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approvals for this drug as it’s considered a schedule 1 controlled substance in the United States.
In a recent BBC report, the security agencies in the United Arab Emirates have confiscated a shipping container that contained 13 tons (over 80 million pills) of Captagon. The drug was smuggled into the country using more than 1,000 furniture pieces and is reportedly worth over $1 billion USD (3 billion dirhams).
